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Posts tagged as “Saudi Arabia”

Samsung Galaxy A37 and Galaxy A57 now available in Saudi Arabia

April 11, 2026

Samsung has officially launched the Galaxy A37 5G and Galaxy A57 5G in Saudi Arabia, bringing flagship-tier “Awesome Intelligence” (AI) and premium durability to the mid-range market. Both devices hit shelves across the Kingdom on April 10, 2026.

Galaxy A57 5G

Samsung Galaxy A57 5G

The A57 features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display with a 1,900-nit peak brightness and 120Hz refresh rate. Powered by the Exynos 1680 (4nm) chip, it introduces a thinner 6.9mm aluminum frame protected by Gorilla Glass Victus+ and an IP68 rating.

  • Camera: 50MP Main (OIS), 12MP Ultra-wide, 5MP Macro.
  • Battery: 5,000 mAh with 45W fast charging.
  • Price: Starts at SAR 1,649 (8GB/128GB).

Galaxy A37 5G

Samsung Galaxy A37 5G

The A37 offers a similar 6.7-inch Super AMOLED experience but utilizes the Exynos 1480 processor. It maintains high-end features like “Circle to Search” and AI-driven photo editing, housed in a slightly thicker 7.4mm body.

  • Camera: 50MP Main (OIS), 8MP Ultra-wide, 5MP Macro.
  • Battery: 5,000 mAh with 45W support.
  • Price: Approximately SAR 1,329

Both phones run Android 16 (One UI 8.5) and come with an industry-leading commitment of 6 years of OS and security updates, ensuring long-term value for the Saudi Markets.

You can can checkout the full specs of the Samsung Galaxy A37 and Samsung Galaxy A57.

Riyadh Parking announces Operating Hours and, Free Parking on Holidays and National Occasions  

March 31, 2026

@The RIYADHizen by TPT;

Take note, RIYADHizens! RIYADH PARKING has announced new operating hours that took in effect last week. It is uodated to the following:
📆 Saturday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 MN
📆 Friday – FREE
📆 Holidays and National Occasions – FREE
The parking fee is SAR 3.45 per hour and you’ll know you’re parking on a paid slot when you see half of the parking block or wheel stop painted in blue. There will also be the Paid Parking sign. You can pay via the Riyadh Parking app.
When patking in these slots, just pay. Wag na po manghinayang sa SAR 3.45. Because the penalty is SAR 200. 😅

Here’s the official announcement of Riyadh Parking via their official X/Twitter account @Riyadh_Parking;

Saudi Arabia shoots down 4 ballistic missiles targeting Riyadh  

March 19, 2026

Arab News;

A drone was intercepted and destroyed as it approached the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh, the ministry said at around midday.

Earlier, a ballistic missile launched toward Al-Kharj Governorate was shot down with debris from the interception falling near Prince Sultan Air Base “without causing any damage,” a spokesman said.

Another two ballistic missiles launched towards the Eastern Province were intercepted and destroyed in the evening.

Let’s all be careful out there!

Australia remain unbeaten as they rout Gilas Pilipinas (84 – 60)

August 13, 2025

After the miraculous win against Saudi Arabia, I expected that Gilas would at least give the Australian team a hard time. Instead, Australia gave Gilas a basketball clinic on both offense and defense.

Just look at the game stats and boxscore; five Australian players scored in double digits, while only three did for Gilas: Kevin Quiambao (16 points), Justin Brownlee (13 points), and AJ Edu (13 points).

Full Game Highlights

Australia advances to the semifinals, where they await their next opponent. For Gilas, this is the end of the road until the next FIBA games.

OWWA reminds Filipino Workers to Legalize Status via Saudi Arabia Grace period until Nobyembre 10, 2025

August 12, 2025

In a recent Facebook post by Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to Filipino domestic workers in Saudi Arabia, that they take advantage of the six-month grace period for those with irregular status announced by Saudi Government. This window, spanning from May 11 to November 10, 2025, allows workers to legalize their employment without facing any fines or penalties.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and its Secretary, Hans Cacdac, are strongly encouraging all affected Filipino workers to immediately contact the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Riyadh, Jeddah, or Al Khobar. The MWO will provide guidance on how to navigate the process using the Musaned system, which is managed by the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

This initiative provides a safe and legal pathway for workers to regularize their status with the full support of the Philippine government. For assistance and more details, workers are advised to get in touch with their nearest MWO.

Gilas Advances to FIBA Asia Cup Quarterfinals with Thrilling Win Over Saudi Arabia

August 12, 2025

Gilas Pilipinas secured a spot in the FIBA Asia Cup quarterfinals with a thrilling 95-88 overtime victory against host Saudi Arabia. The game was a tense affair, with Gilas needing a clutch three-pointer from Justin Brownlee in the final seconds of regulation to force the extra period.

Here’s a look back at the clutch three-pointer from Justin Brownlee.

Brownlee was the hero of the night, finishing with a game-high 29 points. Young guns Kevin Quiambao and AJ Edu also stepped up, scoring 17 points each and hitting key shots in overtime to seal the win. The victory was a hard-fought one, spoiling a stellar 33-point performance by Saudi Arabia’s Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman and 34 points by Mohammed Alsuwailem.

Game High Lights

Gilas will now face two-time defending champion Australia in the quarterfinals this Wednesday at 2:00 in the afternoon, local time.

Source: FIBA

Gilas Pilipinas Stunned by Chinese Taipei in FIBA Asia Cup Opener in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

August 7, 2025

In a stunning turn of events at the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup in Jeddah, Gilas Pilipinas suffered a disappointing 95-87 loss to Chinese Taipei in their opening game. The Philippine national team was on the back foot from the start, trailing by as much as 17 points in the first quarter and struggling to contain a hot-shooting Chinese Taipei squad.

Despite a valiant comeback effort, Gilas couldn’t overcome the early deficit. Justin Brownlee led the charge with 19 points before fouling out in the final minutes, a major blow to the team’s rally. Kevin Quiambao provided a spark off the bench with 17 points, while Scottie Thompson and Dwight Ramos added 12 points apiece, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win. Chinese Taipei’s Chen Ying-Chun was the star of the show, erupting for a game-high 34 points, including six triples, to seal the victory. The loss puts Gilas in a difficult position as they now face a must-win situation against New Zealand in their next match.

Full Game High Lights:

Philippines’ Team Liquid Makes History with Dominant MSC Victory at EWC 25

August 4, 2025

Team Liquid Philippines has been crowned champions of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Mid Season Cup (MSC) at the Esports World Cup (EWC) 25 in Riyadh, beating Malaysia’s Selangor Red Giants OG Esports with a decisive 4-1 victory in the Finals. The win marks a significant moment for Team Liquid, etching their name into Esports World Cup history.

Selangor Red Giants was the reigning EWC ML:BB champions and was the favorite to win it all for having a strong run through the knockout bracket, they were ultimately outmatched by Team Liquid’s “terrifying power.” Team Liquid showcased consistent dominance throughout the tournament, rarely dropping more than one map per series.

After losing the first game, Team Liquid quickly shifted their strategy, focusing on strong early-game picks and objective control. Their tactical approach paid off, as they swiftly took control of the series. Games three and four saw Sanford “Sanford” Vinuya’s Gloo become a pivotal force, giving Team Liquid the early advantage they needed to secure decisive wins. The penultimate game, lasting just over ten minutes, highlighted Team Liquid’s overwhelming superiority.

You can watch the final day of the competition including the finals below but if you want to skip to the championship, you can skip to the 5:10 mark of the video.

Team Liquid will take home $1,000,000 in prize money, while Selangor Red Giants OG Esports will have to settle for $500,000. In the third-place Philippines’ ONIC walks away with $250,000 after beating ONIC’s Indonesian roster.

Source: EWC

ICYMI: Apple launches Apple Store online and Apple Store app in Saudi Arabia

July 27, 2025

Apple has officially launched the Apple Store online and Apple Store app for the Saudi Arabian Market, and for the first time Apple is offering direct support in Arabic, making it easy for local customers to explore and shop their favorite Apple products.

Apple; “We are thrilled to bring the Apple Store online and the Apple Store app to Saudi Arabia, offering customers a new way to explore and shop Apple’s extraordinary lineup of products and services,” said Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail and People. “Our customers in Saudi Arabia are passionate about the things they can do with technology, and our teams can’t wait to connect with customers and help them discover how Apple innovations can meaningfully enrich their daily lives.”

To differentiate their “Personalized Shopping Experience” Apple is making it incredibly convenient to own their products. You can get personalized support via chat or phone, receive help with setting up your new device, and even take advantage of the Tamara “Buy Now Pay Later” option, allowing you to pay for your purchases in four interest-free installments. Plus, the Apple Trade In program lets you get credit for your old devices or recycle them responsibly.

Together with the Apple Store online and Apple Store app, Apple will also open its first physical Apple Store locations in Saudi Arabia starting in 2026, with an iconic store already being planned for Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This move reinforces Apple’s commitment to the region, building on existing initiatives like the Apple Developer Academy in Riyadh.

If you have the Apple Store App installed on your devices, this will automatically update to the Saudi Arabian Market or you can https://www.apple.com/sa-en/store, on your desktop.

Philippine Embassy in Riyadh issue Advisory regarding

June 24, 2025

Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia published this on their official FB page @Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia

In light of recent developments in the region, the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh encourages all Filipinos in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to closely monitor the news through reputable sources and check for advisories issued by Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, and local Saudi authorities.

The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh and the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah stand ready to provide the necessary assistance to all Filipinos in the Kingdom.

Riyadh Air announces Major Fleet Expansion at the 55th Edition of Paris Airshow with up to 50 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft

June 17, 2025

Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air just announced an order for up to 50 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft (25 firm orders with options for 25 more) at the 55th Edition of Paris Airshow. This strategic acquisition of long-range aircraft, capable of flying over 16,000 km, will allow Riyadh Air to connect the Saudi capital to over 100 global destinations by 2030, aligning with major upcoming events like Riyadh Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034.

This agreement with Airbus will make Riyadh Air’s fleet to a total of 182 ordered aircraft and allow them to offer a premium First-Class cabin experience, complementing their previously revealed Business Class and overall innovative guest service, with flights scheduled to begin in late 2025.

ICYMI: Microsoft and Asus intros ROG Xbox Ally series

June 15, 2025

Microsoft and Asus recently unveiled the new ROG Xbox Ally series: ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X. Design-wise, both handhelds will look identical; the difference between the two will be what’s “under the hood.”

Let’s first talk about the specs that both the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X share. Both will be running a custom version of Windows 11, which Microsoft said “has been optimized for the ROG Xbox Ally.” Both will have a 7” FHD display with 1080p resolution, 500 nits, a 16:9 aspect ratio, and a 120Hz refresh rate. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus with DXC Anti-Reflection. Both will also have similar I/O Ports, Network and Communication, and dimensions. You can check out the specs comparison table below.

As for the specs that separate the two, first we have the processor. On the Ally, it will be using the AMD Ryzen™ Z2 A Processor, while on the Ally X, it will be using the new AMD Ryzen™ AI Z2 Extreme Processor. The RAM and Storage will also be different: the Ally will have 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB for storage, while the Ally X will have 24 GB for RAM and 1TB for storage. The Ally X will also have a bigger 80Wh battery, while the ROG Ally will be using a 60Wh battery.

ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X Specs

ROG Xbox Ally ROG Xbox Ally X
Operating System Windows 11 Home Windows 11 Home
 Comfort & input   Contoured grips inspired by Xbox Wireless Controllers deliver all-day comfort. ABXY buttons / D-pad / L & R Hall Effect analog triggers / L & R bumpers / Xbox button / View button / Menu button / Command Center button / Library button / 2x assignable back buttons / 2x full-size analog sticks / HD haptics / 6-Axis IMU Contoured grips inspired by Xbox Wireless Controllers deliver all-day comfort, complete with impulse triggers for enhanced control.  ABXY buttons / D-pad / L & R impulse triggers / L & R bumpers / Xbox button / View button / Menu button / Command Center button / Library button / 2x assignable back buttons / 2x full-size analog sticks / HD haptics / 6-Axis IMU
Processor AMD Ryzen™ Z2 A Processor AMD Ryzen™ AI Z2 Extreme Processor
Memory 16GB LPDDR5X-6400 24GB LPDDR5X-8000
Storage 512GB M.2 2280 SSD for easier upgrade 1TB M.2 2280 SSD for easier upgrade
Display 7” FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 16:9
120Hz refresh rate
FreeSync Premium
Corning Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection		 7” FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 16:9
120Hz refresh rate
FreeSync Premium
Corning Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection
I/O Ports 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort™ 1.4 / Power Delivery 3.0 1x USB4 Type-C with DisplayPort™ 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0, Thunderbolt™ 4 compatible
1x UHS-II microSD card reader (supports SD, SDXC and SDHC) 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort™ 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0
1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack 1x UHS-II microSD card reader (supports SD, SDXC and SDHC; UHS-I with DDR200 mode)
1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack
Network and Communication Wi-Fi 6E (2 x 2) + Bluetooth 5.4 Wi-Fi 6E (2 x 2) + Bluetooth 5.4
Dimensions 290.8*121.5*50.7mm 290.8*121.5*50.7mm
670g 715g
Battery 60Wh 80Wh
Included ROG Xbox Ally  65W charger  Stand ROG Xbox Ally X  65W charger  Stand

The Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X are now available in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with availability to follow for other markets where ROG Ally series products are sold.

The ROG Xbox Ally X will retail in Saudi Arabia for SAR 3,499.00, while the price for the 2024 ROG Xbox Ally is yet to be announced.

Nintendo Switch 2 now available for Pre-order in Saudi Arabia

April 11, 2025

Good news for those who are in Saudi Arabia, the recently announce Nintendo Switch 2 is now available for pre-order.

Here are the pricing for the Nintendo Switch 2 in the Kingdom.

  • Nintendo Switch 2 with Joy-Con 2 Controller – SAR 1,999.00
  • Nintendo Switch 2 bundle with Mario Kart World – SAR 2,199.00

As for the accessories;

  • Nintendo Switch 2 Camera – SAR 279.00
  • Nintendo Joy-Con 2 (L)/(R) Controller – SAR 399.00
  • Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller – SAR 359.00

Pre-order period will until June 5th with shipping and collection is expected to start between June 2nd to June 10th, 2025.

To pre-order, you can to Jarir.

Tesla opening its first store in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

April 9, 2025

Tesla is about to open its first shop in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The launch event will be at the Bujairi Terrace on April 10. There the company will showcase their “global bestselling lineup and step into a world powered by solar energy, sustained by batteries, and driven by electric vehicles.”

Tesla also plans to show their newest product/service the Cybercab a.k.a. the Robotaxi, an upcoming two-passenger battery-electric self-driving car and Optimus, “a general purpose, bi-pedal, autonomous humanoid robot capable of performing unsafe, repetitive or boring tasks.”

If you are interested in attending the Tesla launch event, you can sign up here.

This article was originally published on allthingsev.net as Tesla opening its first store in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Price of the new iPad Air with M3 Chip and Apple Magic Tablet Keyboard in Saudi Arabia

March 10, 2025

Here are the price of the new iPad Air with M3 Chip in Saudi Arabia

iPad Air 11‑inch

  • Wifi Only
    • 128GB – SAR2,699.00
    • 256GB – SAR3,149.00
    • 512GB – SAR4,049.00
  • Wi-Fi + Cellular
    • 128GB – SAR3,349.00
    • 256GB – SAR3,849.00
    • 512GB – SAR4,749.00

iPad Air 13‑inch

  • Wifi Only
    • 128GB – SAR3,699.00
    • 256GB – SAR4,149.00
    • 512GB – SAR5,049.00
  • Wi-Fi + Cellular
    • 128GB – SAR4,349.00
    • 256GB – SAR4,849.00

Apple Magic Tablet Keyboard

  • For 11-inches iPad Air – SAR 1,349.00
  • For 13-inches iPad Air – SAR 1,449.00

The new iPad Air with M3 Chip and the new Apple Magic Tablet Keyboard is now available for pre-order and will be available in Apple Authorized Resellers, starting March 12th.

Price of the new Macbook Air with M4 Chip in Saudi Arabia

March 9, 2025

The new Macbook Air with M4 Chip is now available for pre-order in Saudi Arabia and below are the pricing.

13-inches Macbook Air

  • 16GB RAM and 256 GB SSD Storage: SR 4,499.00
  • 16GB RAM and 512 GB SSD Storage: SR 5,449.00
  • 24GB RAM and 512 GB SSD Storage: SR 6,399.00

15-inches Macbook Air

  • 16GB RAM and 256 GB SSD Storage: SR 5,499.00
  • 16GB RAM and 512 GB SSD Storage: SR 6,449.00
  • 24GB RAM and 512 GB SSD Storage: SR 7,399.00

Philippine Pricing of the new iPhone 16e

February 24, 2025

Even though it’s not yet available for order or pre-order, Apple already provided the pricing for the new iPhone 16e.

Available in Black and White colors in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage capacities, the new iPhone 16e will have a starting price of ₱39,900.00 for the 128GB model, ₱46,990.00 for the 256GB and ₱58,990.00 for the 512GB.

Officially announced last Feb 19th, the iPhone 16e features a 6.1-inches Super Retina XDR OLED display, similar to the iPhone 14, the A18 chip that use the iPhone 16 with support for Apple Intelligence, no Touch ID, one 48 MP rear camera and a 12MP front facing camera. It will also have the Action button and the new Apple C1, the first cellular modem designed by Apple. The iPhone 16e will also be using a USB-C port for data and charging.

Apple did not specifically mentioned the capacity but instead said that it will have Up to 26 hours video playback, up to 21 hours if video streaming and it supports fast charging with up to 50% charge in 30 minutes using a 20W adapter. Just like with the previous iPhones it will also support Qi charger for its wireless charging features. You can checkout the full specs here.

iPhone 16e now available for Pre-order in Saudi Arabia

February 24, 2025

The just announced iPhone 16e is now available for pre-order in Saudi Arabia. You can place your pre-order on the leading telecom and retailer in the Kingdom.

The iPhone 16e will be only be available in Black and White colors in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage capacities, with starting price of SAR2,799.00 for the 128GB model, SAR3,299.00 for the 256GB and SAR4,299.00 for the 512GB. Pre-order period will be until February 28th 2025 and will start shipping or can be collected until March 7th 2025.

Saudi Government officially uveil the currency symbol for Saudi Riyals

February 23, 2025

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has officially unveil the symbol for the Saudi Riyals.

In a press release by Saudi Central Bank (SAMA);

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, approved today, February 20, 2025, the Saudi riyal symbol; a historic move that will reinforce the Saudi currency’s identity.

The Governor of the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), H.E. Ayman M. Al-Sayari, extends his profound appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and HRH Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, for launching the Saudi riyal symbol.

Al-Sayari noted that this decision reinforces Saudi Arabia’s financial identity, locally, regionally, and internationally. He indicated that the implementation of the new symbol will be gradual for financial and commercial transactions, with coordination across all relevant entities.​​​

Saudi Riyal Symbol

The agency explained that “the Saudi riyal symbol, developed to the highest technical standards, embodies the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage, carrying the name of our national currency “Riyal” in a design derived from Arabic calligraphy. The symbol will streamline the representation of the Saudi riyal in local, regional, and international contexts, making it suitable for use in referring to the Saudi riyal in all financial and commercial transactions.”

Before the announcement of the Saudi Riyals symbol, SAR, SR or the Arabic equivalent ريال or الريال السعودي, is the one being used.

Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design now available internationally including the Philippines

February 20, 2025

Aside from Saudi Arabia, the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design will also be available internationally. Dominic Preston of The Verge writes, “Despite releasing pricing in Euros, so far the phone is only confirmed to release in Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Mexico, though more markets are “expected.” Huawei UK public relations specialist Elliot Mulley-Goodbarne did confirm to The Verge that it’s “not coming to the UK or US for the time being.” It’s launching in a single configuration, with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage.”

In Europe the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design will retail for EUR 3,499.00, which when converted to Philippine Pesos will be around ₱211K, and checking the Huawei Philippine website, the company is now accepting pre-orders with a ₱5,000.00 deposit, though the exact price of the tri-fold smartphone is not listed.

Here are pricing of the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design;

  • Malaysia – RM 14,999.00
  • UAE – AED 12,999.00
  • Saudi Arabia – SAR 12,999.00
  • Mexico – M$69,999.00

It’s unclear if Huawei will eventually release the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design globally, the company may be gauging market interest with this initial release.

Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design is now available for Pre-order in Saudi Arabia

February 18, 2025

Just like what the title, the just announced Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design is now available for pre-order in Jarir and Extra, you can also pre-order the tri-fold smartphone directly from Huawei KSA.

Jarir – Huawei Mate XT;

Extra – HUAWEI Mate XT

You can go here, to know more about the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design.

Huawei officially launch the Mate XT Ultimate Design in Saudi Arabia

February 18, 2025

It’s official, the tri-fold Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design is now in Saudi Arabia, the company announced Tuesday, Feb 18, 2025.

The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design will be available in 16 GB RAM and 1TB storage model, it will feature a Super Slim Triple-Fold Design, 10.2-inch Hi-Res HUAWEI X-True™ Display, a Octa-core Kirin 9010 (1.55 GHz Cortex-A510) CPU, a triple camera system with a 50 MP Ultra Aperture Camera (F1.4-4.0 aperture,OIS) as the main camera and an 8 MP Selfie Camera (F2.2).

At the same time, the Mate XT Ultimate Design will be powered by a Si/C Li-Ion 5600 mAh battery and is available in Red and Black colors. You can checkout the full specs of the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design here.

Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design Specs

Price from SAR12,999.00
Main display 10.2 inches (3184 x 2232 pixels)
Dual displays 7.9 inches (2232 x 2048 pixels)
Front display 6.4 inches (2232 x 1008 pixels)
CPU Kirin 9010 5G*
RAM 16GB
Storage 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
OS HarmonyOS 4.2
Rear cameras 50MP main camera (f/1.4), 12MP ultra-wide (f/2.2), 12MP telephoto (5.5x optical/50x digital zoom)
Front camera 8MP
Battery 5,600 mAh
Charging 66W wired, 50W wireless
Colors Red or Black vegan leather
Size Unfolded: 156.7 x 219 x 3.6-4.8 mm; Folded: 156.7 x 73.5 x 12.8 mm
Weight 298g (10.5 ounces)

*Rumored

As for the pricetag, it’ll be SAR 12,999.00, which is just SAR 249.00 shy of what we speculated from the last article.

You can now use Google Pay in Saudi Arabia via MADA

January 16, 2025

Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) and Google have partnered to bring Google Pay to Saudi Arabia in 2025 through the mada payment system. This move supports SAMA’s Vision 2030 goals by boosting digital payments and reducing cash reliance. Google Pay will offer secure and convenient transactions in stores, apps, and online.

The agreement will allow Android users to pay using their Android phones instead of using their MADA card, just like how iOS users uses Apple pay (on their iphone).

Riyadh Metro Orange Line Is Now Open

January 5, 2025

Riyadh Public Transport (RPT) has announced that the Riyadh Metro Orange Line has officially open today, January 5, 2025. The announcement was made on their social media accounts and on Saudi Press Agency, more than a month after King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud inaugurated the Riyadh Metro.

Out of the 22 stations 5 stations will initially be operations; Jeddah Road (11), Tuwaiq (Station 12), Ad Douh (Station 13), Harun Al Rashid Road (Station 29), Al Naseem (Station 30) which connects to the Purple Line Station 21.

Together with the opening of Riyadh Metro Orange Line, RPT also announced the opening of three new stations on the Blue line: Al Murooj (Station 14), Bank Albilad (Station 21) and King Fahad Library (Station 22).

It’s Official Saudi Arabia will host the FIFA World Cup 2034

December 12, 2024

FIFA just announced that the FIFA World Cup 2034 will be hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

In their announcement, All 211 FIFA Member Associations convened virtually at an Extraordinary FIFA Congress, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was selected to stage the FIFA World Cup 2034. The news then confirmed by Saudi Arabia and promised to deliver “a tournament of a lifetime.”

Saudi Arabia was chosen at comprehensive bidding process initiated in October 2023.

Together with the World Cup 2034, FIFA also announced that the 2030 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by Morocco, Portugal and Spain with three centenary celebration matches to take place in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: “In today’s divided world, where it seems that nobody can agree any more on anything, to be able to agree on something like that is definitely an incredible message of unity and positivity. And, we need these messages today.

The FIFA World Cup is unique, and it is a unique catalyst as well for positive social change and unity because these tournaments, 2030, the celebration, 2034 – they are tournaments to unite, not to divide. They are tournaments, of course, to discuss, to debate and to act. But most importantly, today, today is a day of unity and a day of celebration.

“Seven countries have won their World Cup today. Congratulations to Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, Morocco, Portugal, Spain and Saudi Arabia. This is your day. So, you should celebrate and we, we celebrate, of course, with you. And you, the 211 FIFA Member Associations that I can see on a giant screen in front of me, you are uniting the world. You are uniting the world truly, through football, because, of course, football unites the world.”

Apple to open its first retail store in Saudi Arabia

December 9, 2024

Apple announced plans to expand in Saudi Arabia, starting with the launch of an online store in summer 2025 and opening physical stores in 2026, including a flagship location in Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The expansion includes existing investments in the country, including the Apple Developer Academy in Riyadh, which opened in Riyadh in 2021 in partnership with the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Tuwaiq Academy, and Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University. The program has trained nearly 2,000 aspiring feamale coders, designers, and entrepreneurs. Apple hosted the country’s first coed Apple Foundation Program. A monthlong course for students from across the country to learn the fundamentals of coding and app development, with a focus on gaming. Apple plans to further expand the coed Foundation offerings, with the next cohort planned for spring 2025.

Apple has emphasizes its commitment to Saudi Arabia, highlighting investments, job creation, and the growth of the app economy, with developer earnings increasing up over 1,750 percent since 2019. Apple Pay is also gaining traction in the country, with Riyadh being the first city in the Middle East to offer Express Mode for transit payments.

Philippines and Saudi Arabia Launch New Job Category for OFW

December 8, 2024

The Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has released guidelines for a new job category for Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia: Residential Support Worker/Cleaner. This development follows initial discussions between former DMW Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople and Saudi Minister of Human Resource and Social Development Ahmad bin Sulaiman AlRajhi, aiming to open up employment opportunities while prioritizing the protection of Filipino Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

Key Differences from Domestic Work:

  • Skilled Visa: Residential support workers will be issued a skilled visa, unlike domestic workers.
  • Direct Employment with MRCs: Instead of working for individual households, they will be directly employed by Mega Recruitment Companies (MRCs).
  • Focus on Residential Cleaning: Their primary responsibility will be to maintain the cleanliness of residential areas, excluding childcare or personal care for employers.

Benefits and Protections:

  • Competitive Salary and Allowances: Workers will receive a monthly salary of 1,500 Saudi Riyals (SAR) plus a 500 SAR food allowance. Overtime pay will be provided for work exceeding eight hours per day as per Saudi law.
  • Comprehensive Benefits: MRC employers will provide accommodation, transportation, and health insurance for the workers.
  • No Placement Fees: MRCs are prohibited from charging placement fees to the workers.
  • Wage Increases and Reviews: Wages will automatically increase with any new minimum wage policies issued by DMW or the Saudi government and will be reviewed annually.
  • Protection Against Domestic Work: The guidelines explicitly prohibit workers from being assigned to domestic work duties.
  • Welfare Desk Officer: MRC employers must designate a welfare desk officer to monitor the workers’ conditions and address any employment-related issues.

Reduced Risks and Improved Welfare:
Undersecretary Patricia Yvonne Caunan emphasized that this new framework aims to minimize labor complaints, welfare cases, and exit visa problems by streamlining the employer-employee relationship.

Continuous Expansion of Employment Opportunities:
Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac assured that the DMW, in collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Human Resource and Social Development, will continue to expand employment opportunities for Filipino workers in various sectors.

This new job category for Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia represents a significant step towards ensuring safe and dignified employment for OFWs while meeting the growing demand for skilled workers in the Kingdom.

You can read the full text of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Memo# here.